The Bulgarian side, who reached the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League last season, had to work to overcome a resilient Dudelange. However, two goals in each half, including a debut strike from new signing Anicet, put the Luxembourger champions to the sword.

The opening goal came on 35 minutes. In a quick attack Marcelinho played in Dani Abalo, who beat goalkeeper Jonathan Joubert. Roman Bezjak made it two before the break, pouncing on a rebound after Dani Abalo's shot was saved by Joubert. Dudelange pressed well at times and had a good chance of their own shortly after the restart, though Gustav Schulz fired his effort over.

It did not take long for Ludogorets to re-establish their dominance. In the 65th minute Anicet, who had been on the pitch for just three minutes, got his first goal for the club with a low finish after being picked out by Virgil Misidjan.

Fábio Espinho put the contest to bed moments later, finishing the scoring with a flying header from Yordan Minev's left-wing cross. Dudelange have their work cut out in the second leg in Luxembourg next Tuesday.

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